Best Meal Prep Containers (Sizes, Types & What You Actually Need)
Meal prepping can save you so much time, money, and stress during the week—but that’s only if you have the right tools.
One of the biggest things people overlook? Meal prep containers.
If you don’t have the right ones, meal prepping can quickly turn into frustration—digging through your kitchen trying to figure out what to put your food in, or realizing too late that nothing fits your portions properly.
With the right meal prep containers, everything becomes easier. You can prep for a full week, a few days, or even just one day at a time—and stay organized while doing it.
Do You Need Different Sizes of Meal Prep Containers?
Meal prep containers come in a variety of sizes—but do you really need them all?
Not necessarily.
You just need what works best for your lifestyle. However, having a mix of sizes makes meal prepping more flexible and easier to customize.
For example:
- Small containers are perfect for sauces or snacks
- Medium containers work well for full meals
- Larger containers are great for bulk items or bigger portions
At first, having multiple sizes might seem like overkill. But once you start prepping regularly, you’ll quickly realize how useful it is.
Why Meal Prep Containers Matter
Some people might wonder why there’s a whole post dedicated to something as simple as containers, but they realllllly are that important.
Think about this:
Dinner is done, your food is ready, and now you’re standing in the kitchen trying to figure out where to put everything. That’s when the stress kicks in.
That’s exactly where meal prep containers come in!
They’re not just for storing food, they can helpwith things you may not have even thought of like: portion control, organization, keeping your food fresh longer and just making your routine easier overall.
When you have the right meal prep containers with lids, everything flows better. You’re not guessing or scrambling, you’re simply packing your meals and moving on with your day.
The best containers for meal prep should:
- Keep food fresh for several days
- Be easy to stack and store
- Be microwave and fridge-friendly
- Help portion meals based on your goals
Choosing the wrong containers can lead to soggy food, wasted space, meals that don’t last, and even over or under eating.
What Size Meal Prep Containers Do I Need?
One of the most common questions people ask is: What size container for meal prep works best?
The answer really just depends on what it is you’re prepping.
Small Containers (8–16 oz)
Perfect for:
- Snacks
- Cut fruit
- Sauces or dressings (you can even go smaller, like 2 oz)
- Breakfast sides
If you like prepping yogurt, nuts, or dips, these are a must-have.
Medium Containers (24–32 oz)
Best for:
- Single meals
- Lunch portions
- Rice, protein, and vegetables
This is the most popular size because it supports balanced meals without overpacking.
Large Containers (34–48 oz+)
Great for:
- Bigger portions
- Bulk meal prep
- Family-sized servings
If you’re cooking in batches or prepping for multiple people, these help reduce the number of containers you use.
Types of Meal Prep Containers
Not all meal prep containers with lids are the same. The type you choose can affect how long your food stays fresh and how easy your routine feels.
Plastic Containers
Best for beginners or anyone meal prepping on a budget. They are:
- Lightweight and affordable
- Easy to carry for work or school
- Often sold in bulk
- Can stain easily
- Typically don’t last as long
Glass Containers
These are often considered the best containers for meal prep if you want something high-quality and long-term. They are:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Microwave and oven safe (without the lid)
- Don’t absorb stains or smells
Compartment Containers
Perfect if you don’t want foods mixing or if you’re tracking protein, veggies, or carbs more closely. (You can also try a bento box)
- Separate different foods
- Keep textures fresh (no soggy meals)
- Great for balanced portions
Mason Jars
- Ideal for overnight oats, salads, or smoothies
- Easy to store vertically
- Great for grab-and-go meals
- Perfect for liquids like soups, ramen, or drinks
My Favorite Meal Prep Containers
(Simple & Reliable Picks)
If you’re not sure where to start, it can honestly seem complicated and feel overwhelming with the number of options out there. The good news? You don’t need anything complicated; you just need containers that are reliable and fit your routine.
Here are a few tried-and-true options that work well for most people:
Plastic Meal Prep Container Sets
These plastic meal prep containers are perfect if you’re just getting started with meal prepping or simply want to save some coins. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and great for short-term use throughout the week.
Glass Meal Prep Containers with Lids
If you want something more durable, glass containers are a Great investment. (Can you tell I have some and leave them?) They last longer, don’t hold stains or smells, and are perfect if you reheat food often!
Compartment Meal Prep Containers
These compartment containers are ideal if you like to keep your food separated or want to portion your meals more intentionally (protein, carbs, veggies, etc.).
Small Containers for Sauces & Extras
These are underrated but super helpful. Perfect for dressings, dips, or anything you don’t want soaking into your main meal. (Typically, I would use a bento box or one of my smaller containers from a multi-container set.)
Meal Prep Containers With Lids: What to Look For
Lids matter more than people think. The right lid keeps your food fresh and prevents spills.
Look for:
- Airtight seals
- Leak-proof designs
- Easy snap or locking lids
- BPA-free materials
Good meal prep containers with lids can keep your meals fresh for up to 4–5 days in the fridge!
Can You Reuse Meal Prep Containers?
Yes, you can absolutely reuse meal prep containers!
In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to save money and reduce waste.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Wash thoroughly after each use
- Avoid reusing cracked or warped plastic (toss it)
- Use glass containers for longer durability if possible
- Let containers fully dry before storing
High-quality containers can last for months…or even years, when properly cared for.
Must-Have Meal Prep Tools
Beyond containers, a few key meal prep tools can make your routine faster and easier.
Basic Kitchen Tools for Meal Prep
- Sharp knives
- Cutting boards (multiple if possible)
- Measuring cups for portion control
- Mixing bowls (variety of sizes)
- Pans for batch cooking
- Slow cooker or air fryer (Okay Not Really A Need But SOOO Good To Have)
Having the right kitchen tools for meal prep helps you stay consistent and helps avoid burnout.
What You Actually Need (Simple Starter Setup)
If you’re just getting started, don’t overcomplicate it.
Start with:
- 5–7 medium containers for meals
- 2–3 small containers for snacks or sauces
- 1–2 larger containers for bulk storage
That’s it…for now :). You don’t need a huge collection to start meal prepping successfully. You can always build over time.
Final Thoughts
The right meal prep containers can completely change how easy your week feels and how long your food lasts.
Whether you’re prepping lunches for work, quick breakfasts, or full dinners, choosing the right sizes and types helps you stay organized and consistent.
Start simple, invest in quality where you can, and build as you go. Easy peasy.
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated; you just need the right tools to make it work best for you. Don’t forget to check out our last post on 25 Easy Meal Prep Ideas For Beginners to get your creative juices flowing or just to have some ideas to start!
